Showing 1 - 10 of 79
Impacts of Iran war on Southeast Asia
Oped, Thitinan Pongsudhirak, Published on 20/03/2026
» For the most part, Southeast Asia as a region has taken a neutral stance toward the joint attack between the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran. Even the Philippines and Thailand, two formal US treaty allies, have distanced themselves, calling for restraint and de-escalation.
Doubts mount over EC's poll handling
News, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 21/02/2026
» Almost two weeks after the election, the embattled Election Commission (EC) has yet to endorse any winning candidates. Instead, it finds itself under mounting pressure, facing criticism and petitions from multiple directions.
Thailand's responses to Board of Peace
Oped, Kavi Chongkittavorn, Published on 27/01/2026
» US President Donald Trump's invitation to Thailand to join the Board of Peace (BOP) has elicited three distinct responses. The first two are succinct and clear in their rationale. The third, however, is more nuanced -- and notable for its ambivalence.
Asean's moment of truth is now
Oped, Mari Elka Pangestu & Tan Sri Rebecca Fatimah Sta Maria, Published on 05/11/2025
» For decades, integration into the global trading system has been vital to economic growth and development. Now, however, integration implies vulnerability, as powerful actors -- beginning with the US -- wield tariffs, export restrictions, and financial sanctions. For Southeast Asia, this turn of events represents both a warning and a call to action: countries must work together to shape their own destiny or others will decide their fate for them.
Indonesian democracy on brink
Oped, Lili Yan Ing, Published on 11/09/2025
» Less than 11 months into his term, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto faces a stark choice. He can be remembered either as a leader whose presidency was defined by public anger and discontent, or as one who recognised the challenges facing his country and acted in the national interest.
The next war comes to a city near you
Oped, Joe Mathews, Published on 03/07/2025
» I was to visit Ukraine this week, but didn't make the trip. Because the same war I would have seen there had already come to Los Angeles.
Tariff man Trump vs united Asean
Oped, Kishore Mahbubani, Published on 09/06/2025
» US President Donald Trump's tariffs -- especially the ultra-high "reciprocal tariffs" that he says will be reintroduced on July 8 for any country that has not struck a trade deal with his administration -- have sent countries around the world scrambling to respond, adapt and limit the fallout. Asean's 10 members -- Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam -- have been among the most proactive.
Hospital stay haunts Thaksin again
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 03/05/2025
» A decision of the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions to launch an inquiry into claims of improper enforcement of the prison sentence against ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra over what is known as the "14th floor saga" has triggered wild speculation about another round of political bargaining games.
Senate vote fuels doubts
Oped, Editorial, Published on 20/03/2025
» The Senate's impartiality has been questioned again after a majority of senators rejected two high-profile picks for the Constitutional Court.
Charter rewrite faces major setbacks
Oped, Chairith Yonpiam, Published on 22/02/2025
» Political parties, particularly those in the government coalition, have shown their true colours as the charter amendment process unfolds. Meanwhile, amid it all, the opposition People's Party has shown that it remains committed to changing the junta-sponsored supreme law of the country into one that is more democratic.